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How Ben and Tom Youngs went from mini-rugby to the England squad

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'Tom would smash right through Ben…' How the Youngs brothers went from mini-rugby to the England squad

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UPDATED:

22:45 GMT, 7 November 2012

The galvanised steel rugby posts fashioned for the Youngs brothers by a doting grandfather have long rusted and disappeared but the memories of the young boys at play in north Norfolk linger.

Especially for a proud father like Nick Youngs, who himself played for England.

He is preparing for the possibility of watching both his sons, Ben, 23, and 25-year-old Tom, turn out for the same international team at Twickenham.

Boy wonders: Ben (right) and Tom Youngs (left) started out playing mini-rugby and could be the third brothers since the war to play for England together

Boy wonders: Ben (right) and Tom Youngs (left) started out playing mini-rugby and could be the third brothers since the war to play for England together

Haven't they grown Tom Youngs trains with England ahead of their clash with Fiji on Saturday

Haven't they grown Tom Youngs trains with England ahead of their clash with Fiji on Saturday

Off he goes: Ben Youngs (centre) is considered to be the more naturally gifted of the two brothers

Off he goes: Ben Youngs (centre) is considered to be the more naturally gifted of the two brothers

'Ben was David Campese in those days,' Dad recalls. 'Then he was Christian Cullen, complete with All Blacks shirt which he would change into as soon as he came home.

'It was quite amusing watching Ben side-stepping across the lawn, running about and pretending to score tries. Tom would boot the ball into the air and catch it.

'Ben was tiny. Tom was always quite chunky, and, of course, two years older. So when they played against each other Ben got the s*** smashed out of him.

'Ben would try to glide and step past Tom; Tom would just run through and straight over Ben.'

Think of Jonah Lomu galloping over Tony Underwood in the 1995 World Cup semi-final and you get the picture.

The Youngs look like becoming the third brothers since the war to play in the same England international side after the Underwoods, Rory and Tony, and Delon and Steffon Armitage.

The fact Nick Youngs has also been capped for England adds an extra dimension.

Nick, like Ben a scrum-half, won six caps in season 1983-84, largely, as he freely admits, due to an injury to Nigel Melville.

It was not England's finest year. But they did beat the All Blacks, as had the Midlands 10 days earlier. Youngs played in both games.

'The highlights of my career. I remember the Midlands game in particular. A Tuesday night at Welford Road. The atmosphere was amazing. We had such luck.

Talent: The Youngs' father, Nick, who was himself an England international, says that Tom was chunkier and used to smash through Ben

Talent: The Youngs' father, Nick, who was himself an England international, says that Tom was chunkier and used to smash through Ben

In action: Nick was a solid scrum-half, but retired at 26, meaning neither of his sons ever saw him play

In action: Nick was a solid scrum-half, but retired at 26, meaning neither of his sons ever saw him play

'We could have played them 100 times and been walloped on each occasion. But we tackled ourselves to a standstill and found an inner belief from somewhere.'

Youngs Snr retired at 26, weary at his three-times-a-week 230-mile round trip between the family farm and Leicester.

So his children did not see him play and they still haven't.

'I haven't shown them any recordings and I wouldn't. The game is so slow and dreary. I am embarrassed by it.

'When old farts talk about the game being so great in their day, I tell people they should watch the matches I played in. That shows the truth.'

Like so many of their generation, the Youngs boys started in mini-rugby, in their case at Holt RFC in Norfolk.

Both moved to North Walsham RFC which carried on their rugby education.

So did the renowned independent school Gresham's, chosen not just for sporting reasons. 'Both boys suffered from dyslexia,' their father explains.

'I struggled terribly with dyslexia at a time when it was not identified as that. They just called me thick. I remember sitting an exam not even being able to read the question.

'Tom struggled to read and write. Ben was better. But the dyslexia unit at the school was terrific. The academic side was tough but the sport was a great release, just as it had been for me.'

Brotherly love: Tom (left) and Ben (right) are both delighted to see each other succeed at the top level

Promising: Ben was already showing his ability here, aged 14

Brotherly love: Tom and Ben (left) are both delighted to see each other succeed at the top level of their sport, as Ben shows his promise aged just 14 (right)

Say cheese: Ben (left) and Tom (right) pose for the camera in this childhood photograph

Say cheese: Ben (left) and Tom (right) pose for the camera in this childhood photograph

Say cheese: Ben (left) and Tom (right) pose for the camera in this childhood photograph

Ben started as a centre and full back while always wanting to play fly-half.

It was during a trial for a London youth side that a selector saw him as a scrum-half.

Dusty Hare at Leicester took the same view. So, Ben embarked on a crash course in the art of the No 9, with Dad providing valuable tuition on passing from the floor and box-kicking during extra training at North Walsham.

Tom's conversion from centre to hooker, initiated by Heyneke Meyer, the former Leicester and current South African coach, came much later and proved more dramatic.

Nick remembers a phone call from Meyer when Tom was contemplating the switch.

'He told me that Tom already ticked most of the boxes for being a hooker. All he needed to learn was scrummaging and throwing in at the lineout!

'I remember his first game. He was targeted. There was a punch-up at the scrum and his first throw at the line-out looked like a beachball in the wind.

Competition: David Paice (left) is keeping a close eye on fellow hooker Tom Youngs (right)

Competition: David Paice (left) is keeping a close eye on fellow hooker Tom Youngs (right)

Close control: Ben Youngs (centre) will be hoping to dismantle the Fijians in Saturday's Test

Close control: Ben Youngs (centre) will be hoping to dismantle the Fijians in Saturday's Test

'I laugh about it now. He is still a work in progress but he has come so far. If anyone wants to criticise him, they should imagine what he has gone through. He just rolled up his sleeves and never complained.'

No-one would dispute that Ben possesses the more natural talent, as his father concedes.

'He has the kind of natural flair that you are born with and that can't be coached. He gets it from his mother, Trot (Patricia).

'But if you want to get Tom really wound up and upset, ask him how he copes with his brother's success.

'Tom is so happy for him, not at all envious. And Ben is equally thrilled about Tom's arrival in the England squad.

'I just think that it shows how anyone, anywhere, can pull on that England shirt. I think of Ben and his matchstick legs running around at a little place like Holt.'

Gerry, 86, the grandfather who made the rugby posts, will be at Twickenham on Saturday with his wife Helen, hoping to see two grandchildren in action 28 years after watching his son in the same stadium.

The family are looking forward to a great day.

Cardiff Blues 14 Toulon 22: Jonny Wilkinson and Steffon Armitage star

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Cardiff Blues 14 Toulon 22: Wilkinson and Armitage star for French favourites

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UPDATED:

14:35 GMT, 21 October 2012

Jonny Wilkinson kicked 17 points as Toulon made it two wins from two in Pool Six of the Heineken Cup with a bruising win over Cardiff Blues at the Arms' Park.

The Blues, playing their first European game at their traditional home since 2009, made a superb start when Leigh Halfpenny went over for the opening try inside two minutes.

The Welsh side's magnificent defence flustered the visitors, but their power eventually told.

Key man: Jonny Wilkinson kicked 17 points for Toulon

Key man: Jonny Wilkinson kicked 17 points for Toulon

Wilkinson kicked five penalties and converted man-of-the-match Steffon Armitage's try, meaning Halfpenny's three penalties were not even good enough for a losing bonus point for the Blues.

But the game's major talking point involved Armitage's brother Delon, who escaped without receiving a card for a high no-arms tackle on Blues' centre Gavin Evans during the first half.

The England full-back led with his shoulder and caught the Cardiff centre, who was stretchered off and sent to hospital for checks, on the head.

While Evans did stumble as he reached Armitage, who has had his fair share of disciplinary issues over the past two seasons, the Toulon man made no effort to wrap his arms around his opponent to complete a legal tackle and it was a surprise when referee George Clancy allowed him to remain on the field.

Flying start: Leigh Halfpenny crosses for Cardiff in the opening minutes

Flying start: Leigh Halfpenny crosses for Cardiff in the opening minutes

Prior to the controversy, Cardiff had made a perfect start through Halfpenny.

From a scrum on halfway, Alex Cuthbert came round to make the extra man and Ceri Sweeney's cut-out pass freed Tom James on the left. The wing kept his composure to feed inside to Halfpenny who crossed in the corner.

Wilkinson responded with a penalty after Toulon had made a mess of a Blues scrum, and another display of forward power, this time from a rolling maul, yielded a second three-pointer for the former England fly-half.

Wilkinson was off target with his third attempt before the game was held up as Evans was treated following his clash with Armitage.

High hopes: Delon Armitage takes a catch

High hopes: Delon Armitage takes a catch

Halfpenny missed the chance to put the hosts back in front while Wilkinson was off target with a drop goal effort as half-time neared.

But the Wales back did not make the same mistake when Toulon got over-eager at a ruck 40 metres out and gave the Blues a two-point lead at the break.

Wilkinson put Toulon back in front as he slotted his third penalty within two minutes of the resumption.

But Cardiff's tigerish defensive shift continued to throw the French side out of their stride, and another handling error allowed Lloyd Williams to send a kick downfield that ended with Halfpenny hauling down the retreating Matt Giteau to win a penalty, only for a slip to send the ball wide of the uprights.

On the ropes: Cardiff have lost their opening two games

On the ropes: Cardiff have lost their opening two games

Wilkinson punished the miss when wing David Smith won a penalty at a ruck 35 metres from the Cardiff posts, adding another three points to make it 12-8, only for Halfpenny to reply in kind with 18 minutes to play.

But Toulon landed the killer blow just two minutes later. Centres Mathieu Bastareaud and Giteau made inroads into the Blues' 22, and Steffon Armitage was the beneficiary as he forced his way over from close range, with Wilkinson adding the extras.

Halfpenny trimmed the gap, but Wilkinson's fifth and final penalty denied Cardiff a losing bonus point.

London Irish 52 Gloucester 18: Mike Catt leaves Exiles after big win

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London Irish 52 Gloucester 18: Exiles wave Catt off with big win but Hamilton is the villain

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UPDATED:

20:19 GMT, 5 May 2012

Angry Brian Smith labelled Gloucester captain Jim Hamilton ‘a disgrace’ and accused him of starting a ‘1970s free for all’ that saw Hamilton and David Paice of Irish sent off.

In a mass punch up, veteran hooker Paice and lock Hamilton brought shame to the Premiership in what was the worst incident to hit English rugby for many years.

Paice and Hamilton exchanged blows after a ruck. When most players became embroiled in a slapping and pushing contest, referee Dave Pearson produced yellow cards for both villains.

Blind rage: Hamilton lays into Paice with a right hook to leave blood pouring

Blind rage: Hamilton lays into Paice with a right hook to leave blood pouring

Blind rage: Hamilton lays into Paice with a right hook to leave blood pouring

As the two men trudged off towards
the dug-out, Paice seemed to say something to Hamilton who reacted by
hammering his rival with two hefty blows to the face, leaving blood
oozing from a wound.

Pearson produced red cards for both
as one touch judge slipped when trying desperately to get out of the way
of the melee. London Irish director of rugby Smith fumed: ‘Hamilton was
the instigator and he has a lot to answer for.’

Irish gave England-bound attack coach
Mike Catt the perfect send-off and the game was effectively over by
half-time as tries from Darren Allinson, Sailosi Tagicakibau and
Jonathan Joseph, plus a 19-point haul from Tom Homer, put Irish 34-11
ahead.

Homer kicked another
penalty while substitute Marland Yarde (2) and the departing Delon
Armitage added further tries to complete the rout.

Two Tom Voyce tries and eight points from Freddie Burns were all Gloucester had to show for their efforts as they suffered a sixth-straight defeat to hand Mike Tindall a sad end to his Kingsholm career.

On the charge: Delon Armitage makes a break from Tom Voyce

On the charge: Delon Armitage makes a break from Tom Voyce

Homer had booted the Exiles into a
sixth-minute lead as he landed a monster penalty from just inside his
own half, although Burns soon responded with a more straightforward
effort.

But Homer, the Premiership's top points scorer this term, gave Irish a nine-point lead by the 19-minute mark as he slotted three further penalties in quick succession, with Gloucester's scrum coming in for particular attention from referee Pearson.

The Cherry and Whites produced a sharp response by claiming the game's first try from their first concerted attack.

Strong running from centres Jonny May and Tindall took the visitors into the Irish 22, and they showed patience to work full-back Voyce over in the right-hand corner.

However, that score only proved a brief respite as Homer added his fifth penalty before the Exiles crafted a lovely score just before the half-hour.

Joseph fed Armitage and the winger raced down the left touchline before finding Allinson in support for the scrum-half to step inside the cover for a try, converted by Homer.

On the way to the line: Marland Yarde on the way to his second try

On the way to the line: Marland Yarde on the way to his second try

Diving for glory: Yarde makes a dive for the line

Diving for glory: Yarde makes a dive for the line

Points made: Yarde lands to score the try

Points made: Yarde lands to score the try

Celebration time: Yarde is congratulated after his try

Celebration time: Yarde is congratulated after his try

Burns replied with a penalty for Gloucester but Irish were unquestionably in complete control and they effectively killed the game off with two tries in the final four minutes of the opening half.

Fly-half Steve Shingler set up the first as his neat footwork and offloading skills found Allinson, who in turn sent Tagicakibau racing over for a seven-pointer.

Centre Joseph then had a clear run in through a weak Charlie Sharples tackle moments later to give the hosts a 23-point interval lead.

The game had proved to be typical end-of-season fare but it suddenly erupted seven minutes into the second half.

Hamilton and Paice traded blows off the ball, sparking a melee which saw the pair sin-binned by Pearson.

Sealed with a kiss: Matt Cox blows a kiss at Bob Casey of London Irish

Sealed with a kiss: Matt Cox blows a kiss at Bob Casey of London Irish

But the duo squared up again as they walked from the field, with their second exchange of punches leading to a mass brawl near the touchline, leaving Pearson with little option but to dish out red cards to the central protagonists.

Gloucester were soon down to 13 men when Tindall was singled out for pulling back a support runner, with Homer kicking his sixth penalty.

The visitors' fragile defence was soon exposed again as Shingler's astute chip was gathered by Yarde for the winger to shake off a tackle and score with his first touch, while Armitage soon raced clear for his own five-pointer.

Yarde added his second late on as the Exiles broke from deep for the England Under-20 flyer to canter over unopposed, while Voyce had the final word in the dying seconds for Gloucester.

Stuart Lancaster expects overseas policy to stay

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Lancaster vows to keep overseas policy as Narraway becomes latest star off to France

England interim coach Stuart Lancaster confirmed there are no plans to change the policy of not selecting players from outside the Aviva Premiership despite seeing another contender leave for France.

Luke Narraway, England's back-row nearly man since making his debut in 2008, has confirmed he will be moving to Perpignan at the end of the season.

The Gloucester captain has followed former London Irish flanker Steffon Armitage in deciding his rugby future lies in France and not on the international stage.

On his way: Luke Narraway is heading to Perpignan

On his way: Luke Narraway is heading to Perpignan

Nick Kennedy and Andrew Sheridan are both bound for Toulon while Delon Armitage has also been linked with a move to join his brother at the big-spending Top 14 club.

Steffon Armitage is now tearing up trees for Toulon but cannot be considered by England following the introduction of the RFU's foreign policy in November.

The directive was brought in by former chief executive John Steele but Lancaster cannot see it changing under the new boss Ian Ritchie, who took office on Monday.

'I think the policy is here to stay,' Lancaster said.

'I spoke to Luke and he informed me of his intentions.

'It is player choice to decide where to
go. It sounds like a great opportunity but it will make it very
difficult to press his claims from overseas.

Long-term policy: Lancaster (left) thinks foreign-based players will be overlooked for years to come

Long-term policy: Lancaster (left) thinks foreign-based players will be overlooked for years to come

'There are plenty more people who want to play for England in the back row. He has made his decision and ultimately with that will come the risk in terms of international rugby.'

Narraway is expected to be replaced at Gloucester by Ben Morgan, the current England No 8 who plays his club rugby for the Scarlets.

Morgan is not currently affected by the RFU's stance because his current Scarlets contract was already in place when the policy came into force – but his next move must be to England.

Lancaster was frustrated that International Rugby Board regulations forced him to send Morgan back to the Scarlets for Friday night's RaboDirect PRO12 game against Connacht.

But Lancaster voluntarily released 17 others, including fly-halves Charlie Hodgson and Toby Flood who are competing for a place in England's 22 to face France a week on Sunday.

Shootout: Hodgson is looking to regain his place in the 22

Shootout: Hodgson is looking to regain his place in the 22

Lancaster accepts he has taken a risk in sending over half his squad back to their clubs just a week before 'Le Crunch' at the Stade de France.

England are already facing concerns over Courtney Lawes, who was sent for a scan on a shin-splint complaint on Wednesday while fly-half Owen Farrell and wing Chris Ashton have both been hit by a sickness bug.

'Clearly there are selection decisions going into the game against France – and there are now 18 players going back to their clubs, so we might have some other selection decisions to make on the back of what happens this weekend,' Lancaster said.

'We're not obliged to release any players back. From my point of view we want the boys to go back and play.

'In order to play international rugby you've got to be in form, you've got to be playing well and to do that you've got to be playing rugby.'

London Irish 23 Northampton 30: Ben Nutley late try wins game

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London Irish 23 Northampton 30: Nutley's last gasp try settles pulsating encounter

Replacement Ben Nutley shattered London Irish in the last seconds to give Northampton a 10th Aviva Premiership victory of the season at Reading's Madejski Stadium.

The bonus point win put Northampton into third ahead of midlands rivals Leicester but the thumping match could have gone either way as the second half ticked down.

Irish got tries from full-back Delon Armitage, wing Sailosi Tagicakibau and flanker Declan Danaher, with Adrian Jarvis booting eight points.

Late: Ben Nutley runs through to score the winner

Late: Ben Nutley runs through to score the winner

Joy: Nutley celebrates his winner

Joy: Nutley celebrates his winner

Saints went over the line via wing Noah Cato, number eight Roger Watson, full-back Paul Diggin and Nutley's winner, with outstanding Stephen Myler adding 10 points with the boot.

Irish desperately wanted to win after their coach Toby Booth demanded a massive turnaround in his side from the one which lost 19-10 at basement outfit Newcastle last weekend, going as far as to issue an apology for the performance.

And, with Northampton looking to pile the pressure on Leicester in the top four, the Exiles knew they had their work cut-out to take the much-needed victory.

Myler was on fire all game and set up the first of his side's tries for Cato with 11 minutes gone with a long pass wide to the left that had the home defence bemused and the winger in at the corner.

It was a tactic he would used twice more during a thrilling game.

Irish, not wishing to have the wrath of Booth for a second successive week, hit back with a vengeance in the opening period.

Their New Zealand ace Tagicakibau, playing only his third game since injury, was the catalyst for their dominance, while England ace Armitage also came good.

The two players combined as Irish took a 10-5 lead near the half-hour as Tagicakibau bulldozed his way down the left wing to pass inside for Armitage.

Charge: George Pisi of Northampton runs at Jonathan Joseph of London Irish

Charge: George Pisi of Northampton runs at Jonathan Joseph of London Irish

Saints wing Vasily Artemyev was in close attendance and agonisingly saw the ball bounce off his knee for the home full-back to gather and score.

Then the boot was on the other foot as Jarvis, who had kicked two penalties and a conversion by then, hammered up a high ball from half-way for Armitage to chase.

He missed the pick-up but wing Topsy Ojo was on hand to keep the move going and feed his fellow wing for a try that put Irish 18-8 up before Myler kicked a second penalty of the half to reduce the arrears.

Almost immediately after the break, the Saints really did start marching and put a stranglehold on the Irish defence for the early part of the half.

It paid off in points as Myler's earlier try-scoring pass tactic was deployed for number eight Roger Wilson to stroll over from five metres on the right wing.

And he made it a treble when an attack reached the home line and Myler sent Diggin over on the left wing.

Crunch: Martin Roberts is tackled by Nick Kennedy (left) and Matt Garvey (right)

Crunch: Martin Roberts is tackled by Nick Kennedy (left) and Matt Garvey (right)

That put Northampton into the lead for the first time, but their 23-18 lead did not last long as the pulsating clash became white hot.

Irish lock Nick Kennedy went galloping down the left wing to threaten a score but, after he was caught, the Exiles moved the ball across their backs for Armitage to again play the part of provider and put Danaher in with a 15-metre run down the right touchline.

There was everything to play as the match ran down and the scores locked at 23-23. Both sides looked for gaps to break the deadlock but, even with tired limbs, neither would give away the chance.

But with four minutes left and Northampton finishing the stronger, Irish gave away a crucial penalty. However, the normally reliable Myler pushed the kick wide of the uprights.

Nutley's winning score came two minutes from time and was a charge down that England would be pleased with as Armitage's clearance kick was blocked by centre George Pisi who collected and passed to waiting Nutley to take the victory.

SIX NATIONS 2012: Jim Mallinder backs Lee Dickson for starting role

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The Gainline: Mallinder backs Dickson for starting role

Northampton’s Jim Mallinder has backed the growing campaign for England to pick his scrum-half Lee Dickson ahead of Leicester’s Ben Youngs next Saturday against Wales.

‘I definitely think he deserves a chance because of what he has done for us this season and for England,’ Mallinder said. ‘He upped the tempo last week (against Italy). I think a No 9 like Lee will help the England cause.’

Mallinder also said another Northampton player, Courtney Lawes, should be in the matchday squad next Saturday.

In contention: Lee Dickson has impressed off the bench for England

In contention: Lee Dickson has impressed off the bench for England

Coming home: Danny Cipriani

Coming home: Danny Cipriani

Cipriani going to Sale

Sale head coach Tony Hanks has welcomed Danny Cipriani’s decision to come back to England next season. Whether Sale will sign the former England fly-half is uncertain but Hanks remains a big fan despite Cipriani’s troubled past.

Delon could face action

Delon Armitage could be facing more disciplinary action after London Irish lost 19-10 to Newcastle. The full back was lucky to escape punishment for a lunge at centre James Fitzpatrick.

Wales call on Ospreys

Wales have called Ospreys forwards Alun Wyn Jones and Richard Hibbard into their training squad to take on England on Saturday. Lock Jones is a replacement for the suspended Blues second row Bradley Davies.

ENGLAND AUDITIONS

Toby Flood

Leicester fly-half: Start chance 3/5

He orchestrated the injury-time play for Leicester’s match-winning drop goal by Geordan Murphy. Flood’s assured performance included four kicks from six. Made one break from inside his own 22, and kept Saracens under pressure, kicking out of hand. Set for place on bench if Stuart Lancaster sticks with Charlie Hodgson.

Knocking on the door: Toby Flood is putting Charlie Hodgson under pressure

Knocking on the door: Toby Flood is putting Charlie Hodgson under pressure

Manu Tuilagi

Leicester centre: Start chance 4/5

The centre led the last-minute dash for glory and his attacking power and strength would certainly give England something different with which to confront the Welsh giants.

His powerful reputation means Leicester used him as a decoy runner to create space for others.

But coach Lancaster would probably have to drop one of his most consistent performers in Brad Barritt to play Tuilagi from the start.

Back to his best: Leicester's powerhouse centre Manu Tuilagi

Back to his best: Leicester's powerhouse centre Manu Tuilagi

Versatile: Lawes played blindside for Northampton on Saturday

Versatile: Lawes played blindside for Northampton on Saturday

Ben Morgan

Scarlets No 8: start chance 5/5

After two appearances for England as a sub, he played the final 35 minutes of Scarlets’ trip to Leinster on Friday. The Irish province won 16-13, but Morgan looks set for a full debut ahead of Phil Dowson.

Courtney Lawes

Northampton lock: start chance 2/5

‘I’m ready to go,’ the versatile forward said after a full stint in a 24-17 win over Sale. One first-half tackle was highlight of his second game at blindside since his return. He looks set to be a substitute.

Mike Brown

Quins full back: start chance 1/5

‘It was good to get out there and have a bit of a blow,’ he reported after Quins’ 16-14 win over Worcester. Solid display but he’s unlikely to shift Northampton’s Ben Foden from the England starting line-up.

Bad boy Delon Armitage on the receiving end for Irish at Newcastle

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Bad boy Armitage on the receiving end for Irish at Newcastle

London Irish and England full-back Delon Armitage faces the possibility of further disciplinary proceedings after a bad-tempered game at Newcastle.

Armitage, who has had his fair share
of brushes with the rugby authorities, was possibly more sinned against
than the sinner in his side's 19-10 defeat at Newcastle – a result which
keeps alive the Falcons' faint hopes of avoiding relegation.

Armitage was felled by a punch by
Falcons lock Adriaan Fondse which led to the South African being sent
off in the 60th minute by referee JP Doyle after the intervention of his
touch judge.

In the thick of it: Delon Armitage talks to a line-judge during the Newcastle game

In the thick of it: Delon Armitage talks to a line-judge during the Newcastle game

Armitage was left on the ground holding his head but was roundly booed by the crowd who clearly felt he had made more of the incident then he needed to.

The Falcons fans were further incensed when Armitage charged into a tackle later in the game and appeared to short-arm Newcastle centre James Fitzpatrick.

There was no penalty and the referee either did not see the incident or possibly felt there was nothing wrong with the tackle, but many of the crowd disagreed and there is the possibility Armitage could be cited if the independent match commissioner feels there is a case to answer.

Squaring up: Newcastle forward Mark Wilson (second right) has words with Delon Armitage

Squaring up: Newcastle forward Mark Wilson (second right) has words with Delon Armitage

It was also Armitage's pass that was intercepted by Newcastle wing Ryan Shortland for the crucial Falcons try. London Irish head coach Toby Booth was in no doubt that Armitage had been struck.

'I've seen it and I don't think the referee had any choice. It was a punch,' he said.

Newcastle's director of rugby Gary Gold added: 'I haven't seen the incident, but I'm sure the referee is not going to make a red card decision very easily and I'm very disappointed.

'Our backs are against the wall and that is one of things you can control and I will be very disappointed if we have let ourselves down.'

Six Nations 2012: Stuart Lancaster issues warning to England

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Keep it clean! Coach Lancaster issues warning to England for Italy clash

England will confront Italy on Saturday with the same line-up that
saw off Scotland and Stuart Lancaster wants his players to show the same
discipline, too.

The head coach believes that cleaning up their act off the field has helped the national team behave on it.

Captain's job: Robshaw will lead out the same team which beat Scotland

Captain's job: Robshaw will lead out the same team which beat Scotland

England team to play Italy in Rome

B Foden, C Ashton, B Barritt, O Farrell, D Strettle, C Hodgson, B Youngs, A Corbisiero, D Hartley, D Cole, M Botha, T Palmer, T Croft, C Robshaw (capt), P Dowson

Replacements: R Webber, M Stevens, G Parling, B Morgan, L Dickson, J Turner-Hall, M Brown

During his tenure as manager, Martin Johnson was driven to distraction by England's apparent inability to stay on the right side of referees.

In the reverse fixture in last year's RBS Six Nations at Twickenham, England conceded 16 penalties and although that encounter still ended in a resounding victory, disciplinary problems rumbled on into the World Cup.

The campaign in New Zealand was blighted by myriad controversies and the drive to improve standards of conduct has been a central plank of Lancaster's work since being put in charge on an interim basis.

Danny Care and Delon Armitage have been dismissed from the senior and Saxons squads respectively for incidents which led to police action, and yesterday the coach drew parallels between that clean-up and the one illustrated by a tally of just nine penalties against England in the 13-6 win at Murrayfield.

Asked if he accepts that there is a link, Lancaster said: 'Yeah, that's
probably right. We have put a real focus on discipline. Clearly,
off-field discipline, the way you behave and your ability to make the
right decisions as a professional player, were hammered into the players
in Leeds when we had the World Cup review. Then aligned to that is
on-field discipline, so that we aren't giving easy penalties away.

'We want to see a repeat of the discipline we showed against Scotland,
which was excellent; our technical discipline around the breakdown, our
ability to stay onside. We don't want to give cheap penalties away by
going offside or from early scrum engagements.

Team spirit: Lancaster (below) has shown faith in the 15 who won the gritty encounter at Murrayfield

Team spirit: Lancaster (below) has shown faith in the 15 who won the gritty encounter at Murrayfield

Team spirit: Lancaster (below) has shown faith in the 15 who won the gritty encounter at Murrayfield

'If we had been ill- disciplined at the weekend, we probably would have
conceded four or five penalties in kickable range, which ultimately
would have led to Scotland winning the game.

'When you make that number of tackles and defend for double the amount
of time that they (the opposition) do, if your discipline isn't good,
that is what will happen.'

So often during the Johnson era there appeared to be a strain between
referees and the England captain, notably when Steve Borthwick was in
that position and there was a consistent sense of antagonism.

At Murrayfield, new skipper Chris Robshaw appeared to have a good
rapport with Irish official George Clancy and Lancaster acknowledged
that, along with the background work put in by his assistant, forwards
coach Graham Rowntree.

Head banger: Farrell has his head bandaged up before training practice

Head banger: Farrell has his head bandaged up before training practice

'It's about little things like accepting the referee's decisions when they are given,' he said.

'It all adds up and we want Chris – as captain – to have a good relationship with the referee and manage it during the game.

'He is the mouthpiece for us to the referee – four or five different
people don't need to be speaking to the referee. The players now
understand that.

'We have worked very hard on our relationship with the referees and
Graham Rowntree has done a fantastic job on that. He will speak to the
referees every week and pick up the trends of that particular referee.

'We have made it absolutely clear to the players that unnecessary
penalties are not to be tolerated. We want the players to take ownership
of the on-field discipline and off-field discipline and you can begin
to see that happening.'

Chris Ashton has endured his share of on-field run-ins with
officials in recent years. The Northampton wing acknowledged yesterday
that England's discipline did need to improve as shortcomings in that
area had harmed them so significantly.

Silver service: Chris Robshaw lifted the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield

Silver service: Chris Robshaw lifted the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield

'It's a mind-set in the team now, with people realising the impact it
can have on a game if we keep giving away penalties,' he said.

'At the World Cup it cost us a lot and in the end it got us knocked out.
It is something we have focused on a lot, we are more aware of it now -
the need to be on guard and work with referees more.

'We seemed to be getting their backs up at the World Cup and we don't
want to be known for that. We want to be known as a well-disciplined,
solid defensive team.'

Ashton also conceded Lancaster was probably right to see the correlation
between standards of behaviour off the pitch and on it, adding: 'Yeah,
he might have a point with that. Sometimes when you are involved with
the team, you might get a bit lost with that – you can't see that.

'Sometimes it takes someone like Stu to come in from the outside and
realise that. I would agree with that.' England will be unchanged going
into a Test match for the first time in almost two years, with Lancaster
opting to allow the XV which started against Scotland another chance to
gel and develop.

Phil Dowson retains his place at No 8 despite the strong competing
claims of Ben Morgan, but on that and all other issues, the coach
resolved to 'take a breath' after this match and conduct a detailed
review with the possibility of making changes prior to the home game
against Wales on February 25.

Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi and Courtney Lawes are all due to play for
their clubs this weekend, so the tussle for places is bound to take on
added intensity in the weeks ahead.

Delon Armitage faces London Irish axe

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Troubled Armitage faces London Irish axe after alleged assault

In trouble: Armitage was arrested for alleged assault outside a nightclub

In trouble: Armitage was arrested for alleged assault outside a nightclub

London Irish will give serious consideration to releasing troubled England full back Delon Armitage at the end of this season, even if he does not reach a deal to join Toulon in France.

Exiles coach Toby Booth has launched an internal club investigation into the events leading up to Armitage's arrest for alleged assault outside a Torquay nightclub in the early hours of last Sunday.

The 28-year-old has been dismissed from the Saxons squad by national coach Stuart Lancaster and he will be the subject of further police inquiries, but Irish may choose to take their own action.

Booth was due to meet Armitage to establish his version of what happened in this latest negative disciplinary episode, following a sequence of four suspensions in the last year.

Axed: Armitage has been dismissed from the Saxons squad by national coach Lancaster

Axed: Armitage has been dismissed from the Saxons squad by national coach Lancaster

The Trinidad-born player has been heavily linked with a move to join his brother, Steffon, at Toulon and this incident is likely to increase the chances of that happening.

But even if he were to decide that he wanted to stay at Irish, that option might be taken away from him. Asked if it was time for the Aviva Premiership club to release Armitage, who has been on the books for nine years, Booth said: 'That's always a possibility, but I'm not going to get drawn down a route until I have a full understanding of what has gone on – and at this stage I have no idea. Until we as a club are aware of all the facts, we can't act in a positive or negative way.

'We should be talking about what Delon Armitage does on the pitch, but we're not and we have to think about what effect that has on the people around him.'

England 's World Cup forwards coach John Wells has joined sacked colleague Mike Ford at Newcastle. Wells has joined the new management team led by ex-South Africa assistant coach Gary Gold.

Gold and Ford were appointed following the departure of Alan Tait after Newcastle slumped to the bottom of the Premiership

Six Nations 2012: England are world champions at wasting talent – Graham Henry

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England are world champions at wasting talent! Kiwi hero Henry's damning verdict

World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry has questioned whether England can ever fulfil their potential as long as they persist with their present approach.

Henry believes England have good attacking players but described the national side as 'the world champions at wasting talent' and as playing 'a game based on fear'.

The celebrated coach guided New Zealand to victory last October in stark contrast to England who endured a miserable World Cup, crashing out in the quarter-finals with their campaign marred by a number of off-field incidents.

On the ball: Ben Foden was one talent singled out by Graham Henry

On the ball: Ben Foden was one talent singled out by Graham Henry

Coach Martin Johnson subsequently resigned to be replaced by Stuart Lancaster on an interim basis.

Henry told therugbysite.com: 'England has top-draw attacking players (but) they are seldom used.

'It sometimes seems that England are world champions at wasting talent.

Caretaker: England are being led in the Six Nations by Stuart Lancaster (left)

Caretaker: England are being led in the Six Nations by Stuart Lancaster (left)

'At national level and at club level English teams are far too worried about securing possession.

'No wonder England had trouble scoring tries against the better teams at the World Cup.'

He singled out Ben Foden, Chris Ashton and Delon Armitage as players who has impressed him but believes they may never reach their potential.

Champion: Graham Henry coached the All Blacks to World Cup glory last year

Champion: Graham Henry coached the All Blacks to World Cup glory last year

He added: 'A country with over a million players should be the best team in the world and England's potential in the backs is as good as it has ever been.

'But how frustrated those players must get in a white shirt.

'England and the English clubs played a game based on fear and a generation of promising backs are dying on their feet.

'That has to change.'